Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and recording media

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus capable of speedy processing and cost reduction is provided. A generating apparatus reduces an original image as a display image or the like, and generates a reduced image. An image processing apparatus performs image processing for the generated reduced image by the generating apparatus based on a set first image processing condition. An image correction apparatus performs image correction for the original image based on a set second image processing condition. At this time, the first and second image processing conditions are associated with each other according to the reduction conditions for the generating apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus andmethod employed for an X-ray digital photographing apparatus, forexample, in which image processing for a reduced image of an originalimage or correction processing for the original image are performedbased on image processing conditions (parameters) set for eachprocessing, and computer readable storage media for storing processingsteps for implementing these processes.

2. Related Background Art

As a system for performing X-ray photography targeted for medicaldiagnosis, for example, there is frequently used a film screen systemusing photosensitive paper and X-ray photographing film in combination.

In this system, X-rays are transmitted to an object, thereby acquiringX-rays including internal information of the object; and the obtainedX-ray is converted into visible light parallel to intensity of theX-rays by means of photosensitive paper, thereby causing an X-ray film(an X-ray photographing film) to be photosensitive. As a result, anX-ray image of the object is formed on the X-ray film.

In recent years, an X-ray digital photographing apparatus has been used.In this X-ray digital photographing apparatus, X-rays are converted intovisible light parallel to intensity of the X-rays by means of aphosphor, the converted visible light is converted into an electricsignal by means of a photosensitive converting element, and theconverted signal is further digitized by means of an analog/digitalconverter.

Here, the above X-ray digital photographing apparatus is achieved so asto make an X-ray image visible immediately on a screen. Therefore, anoperator such as X-ray technician or doctor responsible for diagnosiscan check positioning of an X-ray image or adjustment of imageprocessing (such as brightness control of a photography image)immediately after photography.

For example, the operator specifies that image process parameters arechanged while referring to an X-ray image displayed on the screen (animage in which image processing has been applied using preset imageprocess parameters). Thereby, in the apparatus, image processing isperformed for an X-ray image using the changed or specified imageprocess parameters. This X-ray image after image processing isredisplayed on the screen. Thus, the operator specifies that imageprocess parameters are changed until a desired image has been obtained.Then, the operator determines image process parameters when thedisplayed X-ray image on the screen (the image in which image processinghas been applied using the changed or specified image processparameters) is judged as a desired image (i.e., when image processing isproper).

Thus, the operator specifies that image process parameters are changedwhile referring to the displayed X-ray image on the screen, therebyadjusting the X-ray image and determining the image process parameters.In this manner, a desired X-ray image is obtained.

However, in order to perform image processing using the changed orspecified image process parameters by the operator, it is required tomount specific hardware for the image processing (a specific imageprocessing board) in the apparatus or system.

Therefore, conventionally, although fast processing speed can be ensuredby utilizing such specific image processing board, there has been aproblem that the apparatus or system becomes costly.

In a general-purpose CPU governing an image processing apparatus, it isrequired to perform the above image processing by software. However, inthis case, although cost reduction can be ensured, processing speedbecomes much slower than that when the specific image processing boardis utilized. In addition, a waiting time for changing or specifyingimage process parameters on the operator side becomes long.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been achieved to eliminate the above mentioneddisadvantages. It is an object of the present invention to provide animage processing apparatus capable of ensuring speedy processing andcost reduction.

In the view of such processing, as a first aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising:generating means for reducing an original image based on reductionconditions, thereby generating a reduced image; image processing meansfor performing image processing for the reduced image based on a setfirst image processing condition; and image correcting means forperforming image correction of the original image based on a set secondimage processing condition, the first and second image processingconditions are associated according to the reduction conditions.

Other objects and advantages besides these discussed above shall beapparent to those skilled in the art from the description of a preferredembodiment of the invention which follows. In the description, referenceis made to accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and whichillustrate an example of the invention. Such example, however, is notexhaustive of the various embodiments of the invention, and therefore,reference is made to the claims which follow the description fordetermining the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a configuration of an X-ray imagephotographing apparatus to which the present invention is applicable ina first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view for illustrating a screen configuration of a display inthe above X-ray image photographing apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a view for illustrating an operation in accordance with anoperation of a region setting button provided on a screen of the abovedisplay;

FIG. 4 is a view for illustrating a task configuration of an imagereading unit in the above X- ray image photographing apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an internal configuration of animage read control unit of the above image reading unit;

FIG. 6 is a view for illustrating an image with irradiation collimatingin an irradiation field recognition process employed as image processingof the above image reading unit;

FIG. 7 is a view for illustrating an image without irradiationcollimating in the above irradiation field recognition process;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for illustrating the above irradiation fieldrecognition process;

FIG. 9 is a view for illustrating a computing process of appearancefrequency of density values at-an image end in the above irradiationfield recognition process:

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for illustrating a characteristic valuecomputing process in the above irradiation field recognition process;

FIG. 11 is a view for illustrating a density value histogram obtained bythe above characteristic value computing process;

FIG. 12 is a view for illustrating a shape of a general gradationprocessing function in a gradation conversion process employed as imageprocessing of the above image reading unit;

FIG. 13 is comprised of FIGS. 13A and 13B showing views for illustratingapproximation of characteristic curves of an X-ray film in the abovegradation conversion process;

FIG. 14 is comprised of FIGS. 14A and 14B showing views for illustratinga basic gradation processing function in the above gradation conversionprocess;

FIG. 15 is comprised of FIGS. 15A and 15B showing views for illustratingparallel movement of the basic gradation processing function andgradation control in the above gradation conversion process;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for illustrating the above gradation conversionprocess;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for illustrating a case when the step ofperforming input image analysis is added in the above gradationconversion process;

FIG. 18 is a view for illustrating image process parameters used in theabove image processing;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart for illustrating overview display at the abovedisplay;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for illustrating processing during re-selectionof the above site setting button;

FIG. 21 is a view for illustrating an image information file obtainedafter the completion of photography by means of the above X-ray imagephotographing apparatus;

FIG. 22 is a view for illustrating a queue table for managing each queueunit in the above task configuration;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for illustrating reference, addition,correction, and deletion for the above queue table;

FIG. 24 is comprised of FIGS. 24A and 24B showing views for illustratinga process (1) at a task for accessing the above queue table;

FIG. 25 is a view for illustrating bit map embedding of non-reversiblecompressing ratio in the above task processing;

FIG. 26 is comprised of FIGS. 26A, 26B and 26C showing views forillustrating a process (2) at a task for accessing the above queuetable; and

FIG. 27 is a block diagram depicting another configuration example ofthe above image read control unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

The present invention is applicable to an X-ray image photographingapparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

This X-ray image photographing apparatus 100 is employed for X-rayphotography for medial diagnosis. As shown in FIG. 1, there are providedan exposure button 110 serving as a trigger for generating X-rays; anX-ray tube 160 for generating X-rays; an X-ray generation control unit150 for controlling the X-ray tube 160 in accordance with an exposingsignal 1 generated by the exposure button 110; a solid image pickupelement 173 in which the X-rays from the X-ray tube 160 transmits anobject 200 and is incident; and an analog/digital (A/D) converter 180for digitizing an output of the solid image pickup element 173, a grid171 and a scintillator 172 being provided on the object 200 side of thesolid image pickup element 173.

In addition, the X-ray image photographing apparatus 100 is providedwith an image reading unit 120 for supplying an exposing signal 2 to anX-ray generation control unit 150 in accordance with a drivenotification signal from the solid image pickup element 173 andperforming predetermined processing for an image signal from the A/Dconverter 180.

A display 132 and an operating unit 133 consisting of a keyboard and amouse or the like each are connected to the image reading unit 120.

The image reading unit 120 comprises an image read control unit 122having a timer 123; a RAM 124 including a work area or the like; a ROM125 for storing data for executing various processes, processingprograms or the like; a LAN/IF unit 126 that is an interface with anexternal network (LAN); a DISK/IF unit 127 that is an interface with anexternal portable media recording apparatus; a user IF unit 129 that isan interface with a user, a display 132 and an operating unit 133 beingconnected thereto; a nonvolatile storing unit 128 such as hard disk; anda CPU 130 governing operation control of the entire apparatus eachconnected on a bus 131 and structured of receiving data mutually.

In addition, the image reading unit 120 is provided with an exposurepermission switch 121 for supplying an output of the image read controlunit 122, so that the above exposing signal 2 from this exposurepermission switch 121 is supplied to an X-ray generation control unit150.

Now, a series of operations of the above mentioned X-ray imagephotographing apparatus 100 will be described.

First, an operator such as X-ray technician or doctor and the likeplaces an object 200 (patient) of interest between the solid imagepickup element 173 and the X-ray tube 160. Next, the operator operates aregion setting button for setting a region of interest of the object200. This region setting button is provided on a display screen of thedisplay 132, as described later in detail.

When such operation is recognized by the CPU 130 inside of the imagereading unit 120, the image read control unit 120 is controlled by theCPU 130. Using a solid image pickup element driving control signal(hereinafter, referred to as “a driving control signal”), a voltage isapplied to the solid image pickup element 173. Then, preparation is donesuch that an image input (X-ray incidence via the object 200) is madefor the solid image pickup element 173. At the same time, the timer 123provided inside is started. Thereafter, from the solid image pickupelement 173, a drive notification signal indicating whether or not X-rayimaging is enabled is outputted to the image read control unit 122.

On the other hand, the exposure button 110 serves as a trigger forgenerating X-rays. The exposing signal 1 generated by this exposurebutton 110 is temporarily inputted to the image read control unit 122 inthe image reading unit 120.

The image read control unit 122 checks whether or not imaging is enabledwhen the control unit receives X-rays by the drive notification signalfrom the solid image pickup element 173; and generates an exposurepermission signal when imaging is enabled. This exposure permissionsignal is generated by turning ON the exposure permission switch 121 andcausing the exposing signal 1 to be conductive to an exposing signal 2.

The exposure permission switch 121 consists of a switch called a secondswitch of the exposure button 110. When the exposure permission switch121 is turned ON, the second switch is available in use. Therefore, theexposure permission switch 121 is turned ON, and when the second switchis pressed by the operator, the exposing signal 2 is generated.

The thus outputted exposing signal 2 from the exposure permission switch121 is supplied to the X-ray generation control unit 150.

The X-ray generation control unit 150 generates an exposing signal 3 toan X-ray tube 160 by the exposing signal 2 from the exposure permissionswitch 121 when preparation for X-ray exposure with the X-ray tube 160is done. Thereby, X-rays are generated from the X-ray tube 160.

The X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 160 (its transmitted rays) areincident to the solid image pickup element 173 sequentially via the grid171 and the scintillator 172. The incident light isphotoelectric-converted at this solid image pickup element 173, and anelectric signal (an X-ray image signal) of the object 200 is obtained.

An A/D converter 180 reads out an X-ray image signal obtained by thesolid image pickup element 173 and digitizes the signal, and supplies itto the image read control unit 122 of the image reading unit 120.

The image read control unit 122, as described above, an operationcontrol of which is managed by the CPU 130, temporarily spreads X-rayimage data from the A/D converter 180 on a RAM 124, and performspredetermined various processes for the data described later.

Next, a primarily featured flow and configuration of the above mentionedseries of operations will be specifically described.

[Operation Caused by the Operator and Operation of the Apparatus inAccordance Therewith]

Operations to be performed by the operator for photography include anoperation for a region setting button for setting a region of interest.The region setting button is provided on the display screen of thedisplay 132.

FIG. 2 shows a state on the display screen of the display 132. As shownin FIG. 2, the screen of the display 132 is provided with the abovementioned region setting buttons 306 (“breast part PA”, “head part PA”,“breast part LR”, and “head part RL”); an image display 301 fordisplaying a photographed, obtained X-ray image; an input button 302 forinformation (information of a patient targeted for photographed” of anobject 200 (“patient name”); a photographing condition display 303 fordisplaying photographing conditions (“kV: 125 kV”); an overview display304 for reducing and displaying a photographed, obtained X-ray image; animage process change instruction buttons 305 (“bright” “dark”, “C+”,“S+”, “C−”, and “S−”); a processing OK button 307 (“processing OK”), andan inspection end 308 (“end of examination”) or the like.

The operator selects a region setting button corresponding to a regionof interest in an object 200 in order to photograph the object 200(patient). For example, by operating the mouse of the operating unit133, the operator selects a desired one of the region setting buttonssuch as “breast part PA”, “head part PA”, “breast part LR”, and “headpart RL”, and clicks it. FIG. 2 shows a state when the region settingbutton “breast part PA” is selected (a shaped part). At this time, ifthe operator has selected an incorrect region setting button, theoperator can select another region setting button, thereby enablingre-selection.

Such region setting button selection operation is read by the CPU 130 ofthe image reading unit 120, and a default value for the image processparameters of an X-ray image to be collected by photography isdetermined by controlling the CPU 130 in accordance with the readoperation. Then, each of processes is executed, which include setting ofa region name for an X-ray image; default X-ray tube setting; driving ofthe solid image pickup element 173 using a driving control signal; andstarting of a timer 123 in the image read control unit 122 or the like.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of an operation of the apparatus in accordancewith an operation of the above mentioned region setting button 306.

When the operator selects a region setting button as described above,the image reading control 122 determines a default value for the imageprocess parameters for image processing and a default value for thephotographing condition parameters or the like (steps S311 and S312).

Next, the image read control unit 122 supplies a driving control signalto the solid image pickup element 173, and starts the timer 123.Thereby, the solid image pickup element 173 is driven (step S313).

Then, after the solid image pickup element 173 waits for a state (an endstatus) in which an image signal with its stable image quality can beoutputted, it supplies a drive notification signal to the image readcontrol unit 122. The image read control unit 122 recognizes that thesolid image pickup element 173 is completed by this drive notificationsignal (step S314).

The image read control unit 122 generates an exposure permission signal.Thereby, the exposure permission switch 121 is turned ON, so that asecond switch of the exposure button 110 can be utilized (step S315).

Thereafter, to inform the operator that exposure is possible, the imageread control unit 122 supplies a signal indicating the fact to thedisplay 132 via a user IF unit 129. The display 132 receiving thissignal changes a background color of the display screen from “blue” to“green” (step S316).

Therefore, when the background color is changed to “green” on thedisplay screen of the display 132, the operator recognizes “photographyenable”, and operates the exposure button 110. In this manner, theexposing signal 2 is outputted from the exposure permission switch 121(second switch), and subsequently, photography for the object 200 isstarted as described above.

In addition, the operator performs an operation for inputtinginformation (information of a patient targeted for photography)concerning the object 200 to be photographed in addition to theabove-mentioned region setting button 306.

Specifically, the operator first clicks an input button 302 on thedisplay screen of the display 132 (refer to FIG. 2 above) by using themouse of the operating unit 133.

Such operation is read by the CPU 130 of the image reading unit 120, andadditional patient information window appears on the display 132 bycontrolling the CPU 130 in accordance with the read information.

Then, the operator inputs information such as patient name, patient ID,date of birth, age or the like by using the mouse and keyboard of theoperating unit 133.

The above mentioned input operation of “patient name” is possible beforeand after performing selection operation of the region switch or aftercollecting an image after photography, as long as a patient targeted forphotography is under photography.

That is, an inspection end 308 provided on the display screen of thedisplay 132 is operated, irrespective of a sequence of input operationof “patient name” as long as an examination consisting of a plurality ofphotographing processes regarding a target patient is not ended.Thereby, a patient with its serious conditions can be photographed incase of an emergency such that the operator does not have enough timefor inputting a “patient name”.

[Timer 123 of the Image Read Control Unit 122 and Operation Caused bythe Timer]

The timer 123 provided in the image read control unit 122 is designed sothat counting is commenced (started) from a count value “0” every timethe operator selects a region setting button on the display screen ofthe display 132 by means of the above switch S313 of FIG. 3. The countvalue of this timer 123 is supervised by means of the image read controlunit 122.

The image read control unit 122 supervises the count value of the timer123. In the case where the count value indicates a specified time, forexample, 10 minutes, the control unit stops supply of the drivingcontrol signal to the solid image pickup element 173, and stops supplyof the exposure permission signal to the exposure permission switch 121.In this manner, the driving state of the solid image pickup element 173is released, and the exposure permission switch 121 is turned OFF.

In addition, in this case, to report “photography disable” to theoperator, the image read control unit 122 supplies a signal indicatingthe fact to the display 132 via a user IF unit 129. The display 132receiving this signal set to a non-selection state a selection state ofthe selected region setting button by the operator, and returns itsbackground color from “green” to “blue”.

Through such operation, the solid image pickup element 173 can beprevented from being always driven inside the device, and as a result,the solid image pickup element 173 can be prevented from being degraded.

[Task Configuration of the Image Reading Unit 120]

FIG. 4 shows a task configuration of the image reading unit 120. Aplurality of tasks 321 to 325 as shown in FIG. 4 are achieved so as tooperate in parallel by time division by means of the CPU 130. Thesetasks 321 to 325 have the functions as described below.

The operation process task 321 is a task for primarily performingprocessing based on a variety of operations of the operator to beperformed on the display screen of the display 132.

The back process tasks 322 to 325 are tasks for performing processessuch as image processing for X-ray images collected by photography,network transfer of X-ray images undergoing the image processing via the1 unit 126 or external transfer to a large-scale portable disk via aDISK/IF unit 127, and deletion of the transferred X-ray images, asrequired. In addition, when an X-ray image is externally transferred,the image is transferred in non-reversible compression manner (forexample, DCT using the JPEG method: Discrete cosine conversion) using apredetermined non-reversible compressing coefficient. These tasksperform this non-reversible compression process.

As described above, four back process tasks 322 to 325 are employed. Oneof the features is that four or more processes (jobs) can be executed byfour or less tasks.

Specifically, by referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a state inwhich four or more processes are executed by two back process tasks 324and 325 (enclosed in a circle indicated by dashed line in the figure).The number of this operating tasks (tasks in an executable state) variesdepending on when photographing operation is performed or not.

For example, when photographing operation is started by operation of theoperator, two tasks, i.e., an operation process task 321 and a backprocess task 322, are placed in active state. After photographingoperation is completed, if an operation for the next photography is notperformed for one minute, for example (this time-out time can beadditionally set on the setting panel), the number of active tasks atthis time increases to three tasks, i.e., the operation process task321, the back process task 322, and a back process task 323 or 325. Inaddition, when photographic operation is restarted by operation of theoperator, the number of active tasks decreases to two tasks, i.e., theoperation process task 321 and the back process task 322. Timing of thistask decrease is not performed while processing is executed by thesetasks without being completed. A task is decreased at the time whenprocessing is completed.

As described above, when photographing operation is started by operationof the operator, the number of active tasks decreases, thus making itpossible to perform background processing without impairing photographicoperation.

In addition, an image process queue part 326 is provided between theoperation process task 321 and the back process task 322 performingimage processing. This image process queue part 326 provides anon-volatile first-in first-out mechanism for image-processing agenerated X-ray image by photographing operation.

Still additionally, an image sending queue part 327 is provided betweenthe back process task 322 performing image processing and the backprocess task 323 performing image transmission. This image sending queuepart 327 provides a non-volatile first-in first-out mechanism fortransmitting an X-ray image of which the image processing is ended bythe back process task 322 performing image processing.

Further, an image erase queue part 328 is provided between the backprocess task 323 performing image transmission and the back process task324 executing image deletion. This image erase queue part 328 provides anon-volatile first-in first-out mechanism for erasing an X-ray image ofwhich all image transmissions are ended.

As described above, by providing the non-volatile first-in first-outmechanism, relatively time- consumable image processing can be performedparallel to image transmission, thus making it possible for theoperation process task 321 requiring a fast response to smoothly performits processing. In addition, while an image is processed by the backprocess task 322 or an image is transmitted by the back process task323, even if operation of the apparatus ends for any reason (such aspower OFF), an image obtained by photography is not lost.

Management of the above image process queue part 326, the image sendingqueue part 327, and the image erase queue part 328 will be described indetail.

[Image Processing at the Image Reading Unit 120]

The present apparatus is primarily featured by image processing usingimage process parameters at the image reading unit 120.

As described with respect to a series of operations discussed above,when an X-ray occurs with the X-ray tube 160 after the exposure button110 (second switch) is pressed by the operator, the X-ray is incident tothe solid image pickup element 173. The thus obtained X-ray image signalby the solid image pickup element 173 is supplied as X-ray image data(digital) to the image read control unit 122 of the image reading unit120 via an A/D converter 180.

The image read control unit 122 generates a reduced image 301 shown inFIG. 2, and processes a natural image according to determined imageadjustment parameters by the reduced image 301.

FIG. 5 shows an internal configuration of the image read control unit122. By referring to FIG. 5, a generation process of the reduced image301 at the image read control unit 122 will be described.

A parameter generating unit 122 b for reduced-image processing reads outa default value that is a recommended image adjustment parameter from adefault value holding unit 122 a. This default value is an imageadjustment parameter for a natural image. Therefore, the parametergenerating unit 122 b for reduced-image processing converts the abovedefault value to a parameter for a reduced natural image based on apredetermined reduction ratio employed at an image reducing unit 122 edescribed later.

The image reducing unit 122 e converts a natural image to a reducednatural image based on a predetermined reduction ratio. For example, animage reduction process and a sampling process are performed such thatthe size of the reduced image is 12-bit data with horizontal 336 pixelsand vertical 336 pixels (reduction of 1/8). Hereinafter, natural imagedata undergoing these processes is referred to as “natural reductionimage data” (display image data).

The above natural image is temporarily stored in a natural imagetemporary storage unit 122 h.

The reduced image processing unit 122 f applies image processing basedon parameters for reduced natural images obtained at the parametergenerating unit 122 b for reduced-image processing to reduced naturalimage data obtained at the image reducing unit 122 e, thereby convertingthe reduced natural image data to a reduced image 301. This reducedimage 301 obtained at the reduced image processing unit 122 f isdisplayed.

The user checks adjustment results based on the displayed reduced image301, and performs image adjustment until desired adjustment results havebeen obtained. An instruction from the user regarding readjustment atthis time is inputted to the image adjustment instructing unit 122 c viathe user I/F unit 129 shown in FIG. 1.

The image adjustment instructing unit 122 c corrects parameters forreduced natural images employed for the displayed reduced image 301,i.e., parameters for reduced natural images employed for imageprocessing at the reduced image processing unit 122 f according to theuser instruction.

Therefore, at the reduced image processing unit 122 f, a reduced imageis generated according to parameters for corrected, reduced images fromthe image adjustment instructing unit 122 c, and is displayed. Theparameters for reduced natural images at this time is held at the imageadjustment instructing unit 122 c.

In addition, a natural image is processed as follows according to thedetermined image adjustment parameters by the reduced image 301.

In the case where desired adjustment results are obtained with the abovementioned, reduced image 301, an instruction from the user fordetermining the image adjustment is inputted to the image adjustmentdeciding unit 122 d via the user I/F unit 129 shown in FIG. 1.

The image adjustment deciding unit 122 d supplies to a parameterconverting unit 122 g parameters for natural reduction images held atthe image adjustment instructing unit 122 c, i.e., parameters forreduced natural images when desired adjustment results were obtained.

The parameter converting unit 122 g generates parameters for naturalimages based on parameters for natural reduction images from the imageadjustment deciding unit 122 d.

An image processing unit 122 i performs image processing usingparameters for natural images obtained at the parameter converting unit122 g with respect to natural images stored in the natural imagetemporary storing unit 122 h, and generates images after processing.

Next, determination of image process parameters at the above mentionedimage read control unit 122 will be specifically described.

Now, (1) an irradiation field recognition process, (2) an imageenhancement process, and (3) a gradation conversion process will bedescribed before description of determination of image processparameters, since image processing using image process parametersassumes that these three processes are executed in order.

(1) Irradiation Field Recognition Process

“Irradiation field recognition process” is a routine for extracting animage irradiation field area. The irradiation field area obtained bythis routine is utilized for determination of density parameters atgradation conversion process to be performed at a subsequent stage. Inaddition, this area is utilized as cutout information to be transferredby cutting out an image portion required for network transfer.

Specifically, in X-ray photography, as shown in FIG. 6, “radiationcollimating” for irradiating only a required region 403 is performed toprevent scattering from an unwanted region 402 and lowering of contrastin a photography region 400 of an object 401. In the case wherepredetermined image processing is performed for the thus photographedand obtained X-ray image, image process parameters are determined fromdistributions of the density value of an image in an irradiated region,and the image processing is performed based on the image processparameters.

At this time, in a region of interest, when an unwanted region isirradiated without a region of interest being limited, unwanted imageinformation, so-called, an region outside the region of interest may beused for determining image process parameters.

When image process parameters are determined, an irradiated region (anirradiation field area) is extracted, and image process parameters aredetermined using image information of only the region of interest of theirradiation field area.

Methods for extracting an irradiation field area include differentiatingan image density value, thereby determining an end (an irradiation end)of the irradiation area from the differentiated value; and when a regionpart of the field outside the irradiation area is assumed, approximatingthe field region part by a primary approximation Equation, therebydetermining an irradiation end from a difference between theapproximated value and an actual density value.

These methods assumes that an image is photographed and obtained byperforming the above mentioned irradiation collimating. Therefore, aspreprocessing for implementing such methods, it is required to determinewhether an X-ray image targeted for processing is an image photographedand obtained by performing irradiation collimating (an image withirradiation collimating or an image as shown in FIG. 6) or not (an imagewithout irradiation collimating, for example, an image as shown in FIG.7).

There is a variety of methods for determining the presence or absence ofirradiation collimating. As an example, a method for determining imagesaccording to a flow chart shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

For example, in the case where the presence or absence of irradiationcollimating of an X-ray image 420 as shown in FIG. 9 is determined (inthe figure, reference numeral 421 designates an object, and referencenumeral 422 designates an irradiation field area.), the maximum value ofthe entire X-ray image 420 is computed as a first characteristic valueS1 (step S411).

The maximum value is an upper part (for example, 5% point) of theaccumulation histogram of the entire X-ray image 420.

The above maximum value sorts the density value of the entire X-rayimage 420, for example, without being limited to the upper part of theaccumulation histogram of the entire X-ray image 420, and may beemployed as the upper part of the sorted value.

Next, a certain proportion of the first characteristic value S1 computedin step S411, for example, the appearance frequency of the density valueof 90% or more at an image end (a left end) A (refer to FIG. 9) iscomputed (step S412).

An image end A is defined as a region of “dx” in horizontal width and“dy” in vertical width.

Then, it is discriminated as to whether or not the computed appearancefrequency in step S412 is greater than a certain value Th1 (step S413).

As a result of this discrimination, when the appearance frequency isgreater than Th1, it is judged as an X-ray image 420 without irradiationcollimating (step S414), and this process is ended.

On the other hand, as a result of discrimination of step S413, when theappearance frequency is not greater than Th1, it is temporarily judgedas an X-ray image 420 with irradiation collimating. [Equation  1]$\begin{matrix}{S_{2} = {\sqrt{\int_{0}^{d_{y}}{\int_{0}^{d_{x}}{( {{f( {x,y} )} - {f( {x,y} )}} )^{2}\quad {x}{y}}}}{{f( {x,y} )} = \frac{\int_{0}^{dy}{\int_{0}^{d_{x}}{{f( {x,y} )}\quad {x}{y}}}}{\int_{0}^{dy}{\int_{0}^{d_{x}}{{x}{y}}}}}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

As shown in the above Equation (1), a standard deviation value S2 of adensity value f (x, y) of an image end A is computed, and the standarddeviation value S2 is defined as a second characteristic value S2 (stepS415).

Next, it is discriminated as to whether or not the calculated secondcharacteristic value S2 in step S415 is a certain value Th2 (step S416).

As a result of this discrimination, when the second characteristic valueS2>Th2, it is judged as an X-ray image 420 without irradiationcollimating (step S414), and this process is ended.

On the other hand, as a result of discrimination in step S416, when thesecond characteristic value S2 is not greater than Th2, it is judged asan X-ray image 420 with irradiation collimating (step S417), and thisprocess is ended.

Hereinafter, the above mentioned processing steps are performed for thelower end B, right end C, and upper end D of the X-ray image 420similarly.

As described above, in this image judgment method, it is judged as towhether an image with or without irradiation collimating is producedfrom the appearance frequency of the density value determined from themaximum value of the entire X-ray image 420. Therefore, this imagejudgment method is used, thereby making it possible to perform stablejudgment even for an image of which the object 421 is included in an endof the irradiation field area 422.

In addition, in the case where it is judged as an image with irradiationcollimating in step S413, a standard deviation is computed as the secondcharacteristic value S2 from image ends (A to D). Based on this standarddeviation, it is further judged as to whether an image with or withoutirradiation collimating is produced; and even if the object 421 coversthe entire image ends (A to D), stable judgment can be performed.

In the above mentioned image judgment method, as shown in the aboveEquation (1), the standard deviation value of density value f (x, y) ofthe image ends is computed as the second characteristic value S2.[Equation  2] $\begin{matrix}{S_{2} = \frac{\sqrt{\int_{0}^{d_{y}}{\int_{0}^{d_{x}}{( {{f( {x,y} )} - {f( {x,y} )}} )^{2}\quad {x}{y}}}}}{\overset{\_}{f}( {x,y} )}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

As shown in Equation (2), the standard deviation value of the densityvalue f (x, y) of the image ends may be defined as the secondcharacteristic value S2 by computing a normalized value by an averagevalue of the density value f (x, y) of the image ends.

Therefore, by using such method, stable judgment can be performed evenif there is a less radiation quantity without being influenced byintensity of the radiation quantity or even if the object 421 covers theentire image ends (A to D).

In addition, the first characteristic value S1 may be computed from thedensity value histogram. In this case, in step S411 of FIG. 8, as shownin FIG. 10, a histogram as shown in FIG. 11 is created (step S431).

From the created histogram in step S431, a density value Th3 indicatingthe lower limit of the density of a passing-through area is extracted(step S432). Here, the most significant cavity point P of a first recessis defined from the high density value side on the above histogram.

The extracted density value Th3 in step S432 is defined as the firstcharacteristic value S1.

In this manner, in step S412 at the subsequent stage, the appearancefrequency at an image end at a certain proportion or more of the firstcharacteristic value S1 (density value Th3) is computed.

Therefore, by using such method, i.e., by computing the firstcharacteristic value S1 from the density value histogram, in the casewhere a passing-through area is present, the passing-through areadensity can be computed constantly. As a result, the presence or absenceof irradiation collimating can be further judged with higher precision.

(2) Image Enhancement Processing

“Image enhancement processing” is a process for enhancing the frequencyof an image.

Methods for image enhancement process of digital X-ray images employedfor a medical X-ray photography system include unsharp maskingprocessing well employed in photographic technology or self-compensationfilter processing using an analog system filter.

For example, in the unsharp masking processing method, assuming that animage targeted for processing is f (x, y), the resultant image g (x, y)obtained by this process is represented by Equation (3) below.

[Equation 3]

 g(x, y)=f(x, y)+c×{f(x, y)−f _(av)(x, y)}  (3)

In the above Equation (3), “fav (x, y)” is a local average value in thecoordinate (x, y), and is obtained from the peripheral “n×m” pixelregion of the coordinate (x, y). This local average value can also beobtained using a simple average pixel value as shown in Equation (4)below.

[Equation 4]

f _(av)(x, y)={1/(n×m)}×ΣΣf(x−i, y−i)  (4)

Such local average value fav (x, y) indicate a blurred image in which atarget image f (x, y) is blurred. As the peripheral “n×m” pixel regionfor obtaining the local average increases, the more blurred image isobtained.

In the above Equation (3), in its second term, the high-frequencycomponent of the target image f (x, y) due to a difference is multipliedby a coefficient “c”. That is, in an unsharp masking process, thehigh-frequency component multiplied by the coefficient “c” is applied tothe target image f (x, y).

On the other hand, in the self-filter compensation processing method,the resultant image g′ (x, y) obtained by this process is represented byEquation (5) below.

[Equation 5]

 g′(x, y)=f(x, y)+F{f _(av)(x, y)}  (5)

In the above Equation (5), as in the above Equation (3), “fav (x, y)” isa local average value in the coordinate (x, y), and indicates a blurredimage in which the target image f (x, y) is blurred. In addition, F {*}is a function denoting an analog system filter.

(3) Gradation Conversion Processing

“Gradation conversion processing” is a process for adjusting gradationcharacteristics (visibility) for a digital X-ray image.

For example, as a general method for a doctor to perform diagnosis usingan X-ray image, before outputting the X-ray image to an X-ray film (asilver salt film), the X-ray image is screen-displayed on the display(CRT or the like), and the displayed X-ray image is interactivelysubjected to gradation processing to convert into an easily diagnosticimage, and outputted therefrom to the X-ray film. Therefore, in thismethod, the doctor undergoes diagnosis by observing an image on thesilver salt film.

On the other hand, in recent years, in addition to the above method,there is employed a method (a CRT diagnosis method) for the doctor todiagnose the patient by directly observing the screen-displayed X-rayimage on the display without outputting the X-ray image to the silversalt film.

In the meantime, in any of the above methods, it is preferable that anX-ray image screen-displayed on the display is similar to the X-ray filmfor the doctor in gradation characteristics (visibility). This isbecause lesions or the like is specifically visualized on the X-rayimage by a long designed and sophisticated photography technique, andthe doctor has been trained in determining diseases with suchvisualization mode.

Therefore, a function frequently used as a function for gradationconversion processing (hereinafter, referred to as “gradation processingfunction”) is S-shaped, as shown in FIG. 12, and a characteristic curverepresenting X-ray film characteristics is shaped similarly. Thisfunction has non-linear characteristics closing to the maximum andminimum values with respect to an input value. There has been proposed avariety of functions (basic gradation processing functions) having suchshape.

Therefore, when gradation conversion processing is performed for anX-ray image targeted for processing, using a gradation processingfunction having a coefficient of the above mentioned basic gradationprocessing function adjusted, an X-ray image having its gradationcharacteristics similar to the X-ray film is obtained.

Here, as an example of the gradation conversion processing method, acoefficient of the basic gradation processing function is adjusted toobtain a desired gradation processing function. When gradationconversion processing is performed based on this function, desiredmaximum and minimum densities are set, and the basic gradationprocessing function is moved in parallel in accordance with the X-rayimage targeted for processing. A method for adjusting the gradationdegree of the gradation processing function undergoing this adjustment,thereby to obtain a desired gradation processing function will bedescribed.

The basic gradation processing function D (x) in this gradationconversion processing method is represented by Equation (6) below.$\begin{matrix}{\lbrack {{Equation}\quad 6} \rbrack \begin{matrix}{{D(x)} = \quad {D_{\min} + {\frac{D_{\max} - D_{\min}}{2}\{ {\frac{1}{1 + {\exp ( {c( {x_{0} - ( {x - d} )} )} )}} +} }}} \\ \quad \frac{1}{1 + {\exp ( {a \times {c( {{b \times x_{0}} - ( {x - d} )} )}} )}} \}\end{matrix}} & (6)\end{matrix}$

In the above Equation (6), “Dmax” and “Dmin” designate a maximum outputdensity value and a minimum density value”, “c” designates a gradationdegree, “a” and “b” designates constants, and “d” designates a variablefor adjusting a parallel movement quantity.

In such Equation (6), when a gradation degree “c” is increased ordecreased, an inclination of the basic gradation processing function D(x) increases or decreases. When only a gradation degree “c” is changed,it is characterized that the inclination can be changed with a point(xc, D (xc)) expressed by D (xc)=(Dmax+Dmin)/2 being a center. Further,“xc” at this time is given by the Equation below.

xc={x0(1+ab)}/(1+a)+d

It is characterized that xc is always close to the maximum density valueDmax and the minimum density value Dmin.

In FIG. 13A, a characteristic curve indicating characteristics of theX-ray film generally employed is approximated by the above Equation (6).This X-ray film characteristic curve can be approximated because thereare two terms in { } of the second term of the above Equation (6).Temporarily, when there is only one term in the { }, as shown in FIG.13B, its difference is evident in comparison with FIG. 13A.

This suggests that the operator easily grasp a concept of gradationconversion processing by providing the operator with approximation ofthe obtained characteristic curve from the existing X-ray film asdescribed above, as a characteristic curve of the basic gradationprocessing function D (x) in this gradation conversion processingmethod.

Constants “a” and “b” in the above Equation (6) are those for expressinga characteristic curve (so-called double gamma characteristics) suchthat an inclination changes midway in the existing X-ray film. That is,in the above Equation (6), these constants are intended for controllinga gradation degree “c” and “x0” in the second term, as a differentinclination is indicated to the first term having the gradation degree“c” and “x0” in { }.

This concept is indicated in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B. FIG. 14A depicts thefirst and second terms in { } of the Equation (6); and FIG. 14B depictsa gradation processing function in accordance with the above Equation(6).

As shown in FIG. 14A, with respect to the gradation degree “c” and “x0”in the first term in { } of the above Equation (6), the constants “a”and “b” in the second term have a relationship of “a, b>1”.

“b>1” denotes that a second term is present on an input value sidehigher than a first term; and “a>1” denotes that an inclination isgreater than the first term. As a result, there can be formed agradation processing function having its characteristics in which aninclination is small on the low input value side, and the inclination onthe high input value side is greater than on the low input value side.

Thus, in the above Equation (6), the characteristic curve of theexisting X-ray film having the complicated characteristic curve can beapproximated, which denotes that the characteristic curve of the X-rayfilm employed in a general facility can be approximated.

When gradation conversion processing as described above is used, imageprocess parameters to be changed and designated by the operator are onlyvariable “d” for adjusting a parallel movement quantity and gradationdegree “c”.

This is because the maximum density Dmax and the minimum density Dminare generally fixed, “xc” is increased or decreased with adjustment ofvariable “d”, and thus, the operator changes and designates the variable“d” according to input data, thereby causing parallel movement of thebasic gradation processing function D (x), as shown in FIG. 15A. Thatis, it is sufficient that the operator reduces the variable “d” if inputdata is smaller or increase the variable “d” if the data is greater. Inaddition, the operator changes and designates the gradation degree “c”,thereby, causing the inclination of the basic gradation processingfunction D (x) to be adjusted, as shown in FIG. 15B. As a result, thecontrast of the entire image can be changed.

FIG. 16 shows this gradation conversion processing by way of showing aflow chart.

First, a coefficient is inputted to the preset basic gradationprocessing function D (x) (step S451).

In this step S451, gradation conversion processing parameters (imageprocess parameters) may be determined in advance in a “try and error”manner. A characteristic curve of the X-ray film conventionally used bythe operator may be employed which is approximated by the above Equation(6). As an approximation method, there is employed a Levenberg-Marquardtmethod which is generally used as a non-linear minimum square method.

Next, the desired maximum density Dmax and minimum density Dmin are set(step S452).

The maximum density Dmax and the minimum density Dmin are generallyfixed, and thus, only standard values may be set.

Then, the basic gradation processing function D (x) suitable to an X-rayimage targeted for processing is moved in parallel in accordance withthe changed and designated variable “d” (step S453).

When this step S453 is executed, the operator may make adjustment whileobserving a histogram of the X-ray image targeted for processing.

The X-ray image targeted for processing is processed by employing theadjusted basic gradation processing function D (x) in steps S451 toS452, thereby to obtain the X-ray image having desired contrast (stepS454).

As described above, in this gradation conversion processing, imageprocess parameters frequently changed and designated by the operator arevariable “d” for adjusting a parallel movement quantity and a gradationdegree “c”. Mere adjustment may be made such that any variable isincreased or decreased from the initial setting of the basic gradationprocessing function. Therefore, this gradation conversion processing isused, thereby making it possible to use an input/output device with itssimplicity and high operability such as vertical or horizontal mouseoperation as a device for changing or designating image processparameters.

In addition, the magnet (6) is used, thereby making it possible toexpress a characteristic curve indicating the existing X-ray filmcharacteristics, and thus, the meaning of the basic gradation processingfunction for operator's adjustment is made clear.

In the above mentioned gradation conversion processing method, thevariable “d” to be changed or designated by the operator may beautomatically set by analyzing an X-ray image targeted for processing.

In this case, this gradation conversion processing is shown in a flowchart as shown in FIG. 17.

That is, as described above, a coefficient is inputted to the presetbasic gradation processing function D (x), and the desired maximumdensity Dmax and minimum density Dmin are set (steps S451 and S452).

Next, the variable “d” is computed by analyzing an X-ray image targetedfor processing (step S453-1). To analyze the X-ray image, there isemployed a method for employing a center value of a histogram in aneffective region (such as the above mentioned irradiation field area) ofthe X-ray image targeted for processing or its gravity.

Then, based on the variable “d” computed in step S453-1, parallelmovement of the basic gradation processing function D (x) is performed(step S453-2).

The adjusted basic gradation processing function D (x) in steps S451 toS452 is used to process an X-ray image targeted for processing, therebyobtaining an X-ray image having its desired contrast (step S454).

Therefore, the operator may adjust only a gradation degree “c” by usingsuch method, thus making it possible to change or designate simple andfast image process parameters.

In addition, each image process parameter may be set so that an inputvalue of the basic gradation processing function D (x) is fixed to anX-ray irradiation quantity, for example.

In this case, variables such as variable “d” or gradation degree “c” arecomputed from image collection conditions such as X-ray irradiationquantity, and the computation results are stored in a memory or the likecorresponding to the image collection conditions.

Therefore, using such method makes it possible to momentarily judgewhether or not photographing conditions are proper. Even if thephotographing conditions are not proper, gradation conversion processingresults having good contrast can be obtained by making re-adjustment.The excess or shortage of X-ray irradiation quantity can be directlyjudged as in a conventional X-ray film.

A description of (1) irradiation field recognition processing; (2) imageenhancement processing; and (3) gradation conversion processing has nowbeen completed.

Hereinafter, determination of image process parameters at the image readcontrol unit 122 of FIG. 1 for executing image processing using each ofprocesses (1) to (3) will be described.

As described above, (1) irradiation field recognition processing; (2)image enhancement processing; and (3) gradation conversion processingeach are executed in order.

Here, all of these processes are executed in 4096 gradation gray scale,and image data (reduced natural image data) obtained after execution ofprocessing is written into an area (RAM 124 or the like) forrepresenting 8-bit data of horizontal 336 pixels and vertical 336pixels, and is screen-displayed at the overview display port 304 of thedisplay 132 via the user IF unit 129. In addition, at this time, theuser IF unit 129 holds a table for correcting gamma on the screen of thedisplay 132 in advance. In this manner, the linearity on the screen ofthe display 132 is placed in a corrected state.

FIG. 18 shows details on image process parameters in each of processes(1) to (3).

As shown in FIG. 18, default values of image process parameters arepreset to each of processes (1) to (3) according to each region ofinterest.

Using such default values, the image read control unit 122 executes theabove mentioned operation process task 321 (refer to FIG. 4), and thusimage parameters are determined as follows:

First, with respect to (1) determination of image process parameters forirradiation field recognition processing, when “Auto” is set, parametersfor a reduced natural image (width, height, and extraction startposition of an extraction area) are automatically determined using thepreset default values. Therefore, an irradiation field area isrecognized (extracted) for reduced natural image data using theautomatically determined parameters.

As described above, reduced natural image data is reduced to 1/8 ofnatural image data in size. When this processing is performed fornatural image data, automatically determined parameters are multipliedby 8 times for reduced natural image data.

On the other hand, when “Designated” is set, the operator performs anoperation for clicking two parts, i.e., the upper left and lower rightof the irradiation field area in a reduced image displayed on the screenof the display 132 by using mouse of the operating unit 133 or the like,and designates the irradiation field area. Alternatively, the operatordesignates an arbitrary area (that is, a predetermined area is specifiedwithout recognizing the irradiation field area).

In this case, the default values (width W, height H, and extractionstart positions X and Y of the extraction area) for parameters inaccordance with this specification are reduced to 1/8 times, the reducedvalues are used as parameters for reduced natural image data, and theirradiation field area is recognized for the reduced natural image data.

In this case, similarly, when this processing is performed for naturalimage data, parameters determined for reduced natural image data aremultiplied by 8 times.

Next, with respect to determination of image parameter parameters forimage enhancement processing, four stages of 0 (general), 10 (weak), 20(middle), and 30 (strong) can be set. With respect to these settings,the value to be set in experience as parameters for natural image dataare preset as a default value (N).

Here, when this processing is performed using the preset default value(N) for reduced natural image data as is, it is likely to be visuallyenhanced too much in comparison with when similar processing using thesame parameter value (N) is done for natural image data. To preventthis, the parameter value (N) may be reduced to 1/8 because the sizeratio of reduced natural image data to natural image data is 1/8 time;and however, it is possible to visualize whether or not imageenhancement processing is done.

As parameters for reduced natural image data, the default value N isreduced to 1/2 time. Using such parameters, when this processing isperformed for reduced natural image data, the visibility of the reducedimage data is substantially similar to natural image data after theprocessing.

When image enhancement processing is performed for natural image data,parameters determined for reduced natural image data is doubled.

For image enhancement processing, the operator can change parameters byclicking by the mouse of the operating unit 133 an image process changeinstruction buttons 305 (refer to FIG. 2, “S+” and S−” buttons) on thedisplay screen of the display 132. In this case also, similarly, whenthe parameters determined by the operator are employed for natural imagedata, a value twice as large as the data is used.

Next, for determination of image process parameters for gradationconversion processing, parameters for reduced natural image data areautomatically determined using an area (an irradiation field area) forresults obtained by irradiation field recognition processing.

When image enhancement processing is performed for natural image data,the same parameter as those automatically determined for reduced naturalimage data are used.

As described above, the image read control unit 122 determines imageprocess parameters for each process using default values by the presetregion in accordance with rules shown in FIG. 18 for reduced naturalimage data. The control unit 122 does not determine all image processparameters by simply reducing the default values to 1/8 (reductionratio).

An image of obtained results by image processes of (1) to (3) asdescribed above is screen-displayed at the overview display port 304 ofthe display 132. The operator clicks a processing OK button 307 providedon the display screen by means of the mouse of the operating unit 133when the operator observes a screen-displayed image, and judges theimage to be proper (refer to FIG. 2).

In this manner, image processing at this time is defined (determined),and image process parameters during the determined image processing arestored in a nonvolatile storing unit 128 corresponding to the alreadystored natural image data.

The operator selects the corresponding region setting button 306 for theregion of interest as described above for the next photography.Alternatively, when photography is ended (when examination is ended forpatients at this time), the operator selects an inspection end 308.

Through any operation, the image read control unit 122 performsnon-reversible compression using a non-reversible compressioncoefficient predefined by region for reduced natural image data (displaydata) consisting of 8-bit data of the above mentioned horizontal 336pixels and vertical 336 pixels. In addition, the image read control unit122 computes the compression rate based on a ratio between byte size ofan original image and byte size of a non-reversible compressed image.The thus obtained compression ratio is held together with an imageattribution described later, and is used for processing at the nextstage.

The non-reversible compression coefficient used for the abovenon-reversible compression is required to be different from each otherevery region because, for example, relatively high-precision images arerequired in diagnosis using a breast image, and even if high compressionis performed, it is required to hold a sufficient image for diagnosis inbone-image diagnosis in orthopedic surgery.

As described above, the operator can perform a plurality ofphotographing processes sequentially by changing a region of interestfor one object 200 (one patient). However, before selecting theinspection end 308 for ending all photographing processes, it isrequired to input information concerning the object 200 (informationsuch as patient name by operation of the above mentioned input button302).

At this time, when the operator has selected the inspection end 308without performing the input operation, for example, an additionalinformation input window (a patient information input window)automatically opens on the display screen of the display 132 at a timingwhen the inspection end 308 has been selected, and information can beinputted from the window. When information concerning the object 200 isinputted by the operator, and the completion of input is instructed, thephotography is automatically ended. A series of obtained images duringthis photography (the obtained image at the image read control unit 122)are formed so as to be inputted to an image process queue part 326 as aqueue (refer to FIG. 4).

[Overview Display at the Display 132]

An overview display port 304 is provided on the display screen of thedisplay 132 as shown in FIG. 2.

The operator selects a desired image of X-ray images (reduced naturalimages) displayed in array using the mouse of the operating unit 133,thereby making it possible to cause the image to be re-displayed at theimage display 301.

Such operation is achieved by processing in accordance with a flow chartshown in FIG. 19, which is performed at the image read control unit 122shown in FIG. 5.

From a nonvolatile storing unit 128, natural image data corresponding toa selected image at the overview display port 304 is read out, and thenatural image data is loaded on a RAM 124 (step S331).

Next, reduced natural image data is produced from the loaded naturalimage data on the RAM 124 (step S332).

Then, during photography of the selected image at the overview displayport 304, image process parameters for the determined natural image dataas described above are assumed as default values as shown in FIG. 18,and image process parameters for reduced natural image data is producedin accordance with rules shown in the figure. Using the produced,reduced image process parameters, image processing is performed forreduced natural image data, and the image is displayed on the imagedisplay port 301 of the display 132 (step S333).

Simultaneously, photographing conditions at that time (natural imageprocess parameters according to parameters for reduction image process)are re-displayed at the photography condition display port 303 of thedisplay 132 (step 334).

In the above mentioned operation, after the already stored natural imagedata in the nonvolatile storing unit 128 has been allocated again on theRAM 124, when the operator operates the region setting button 306 again,the already photographed and obtained X-ray image can be handled as anX-ray image photographed in a different region.

That is, even if the operator selects a different region setting button306 incorrectly, thereby photography operation is advanced, and imagecollection is performed, and then, the region setting button 306 isoperated as a different region, setting of the information of variousattributions and image processing are redone, and are changed in adifferent region.

Such operation during re-selection with the region setting button 306 isachieved by processing in accordance with a flow chart shown in FIG. 20,for example.

First, the image read control unit 122 displays the fact that “regionchange” is made (warning panel message) on the display screen of thedisplay 132 when it recognizes that the region setting button 306 isoperated after the X-ray image has been screen-displayed on the display132 via a user IF unit 129. In this manner, the operator select an OKbutton (not shown) on the display screen of the display 132 by using themouse of the operating unit 133 (step S341).

Next, the image read control unit 122 generates image process parametersfor reduced natural image data using the default values for imageprocess parameters as shown in FIG. 18, i.e., using the preset defaultvalues for a re-selected region. Using the default value, the controlunit 122 performs image processing for the reduced natural image data.The image read control unit 122 re-displays an image undergoing theimage processing on the image display port 301 of the display 132 viathe user IF unit 129 (step S342).

Further, the image read control unit 122 re-displays photographingconditions on the photographing condition display port 303 of thedisplay 132 via the user IF unit 129 (step S343).

In step S333 of the FIG. 19 and step S342 of FIG. 20, as describedabove, of course, the operator can re-change image process parameters.

[Format of a Photography Information File Generated after the End ofPhotography]

To end one or a plurality of photography processes (i.e., to endexamination for one patient), as described above, the operator mayselect the inspection end 308 on the display screen of the display 132by using the mouse of the operating unit 133. At this time, as shown inFIG. 4, a process after the end of photography at the apparatus isexecuted on background by all multi-task processes. In this manner, theoperator can move to the next photography again immediately.

FIG. 21 shows a format of a photography information file (an examinationfile) generated at the end of photography.

For example, the image read control unit 122 generates one examinationfile in accordance with a format of FIG. 21 when it recognizes that theinspection end 308 has been operated on the display screen of thedisplay 132 via the user IF unit 129.

The examination file created here contains one examination attributionand a plurality of image attributions as shown in FIG. 21.

The examination attribution contains a patient attributions, anexamination specific attribution, and the number of photographed images.The patient attribution contains patient ID, patient name, date ofbirth, and gender or the like. The examination specific attributioncontains information such as examination ID, date of examination, andexamination time or the like. The number of photographed imagesindicates the total number of image attributions written in thisexamination file.

The image attribution contains region name, photographing conditions,natural image processing conditions, non-reversible compression ratio,and natural image file name.

Region name indicates the name of region in which photography has beenperformed. Photographing conditions indicate tube voltage, tube currentor the like. Natural image processing conditions indicate image processparameters for natural image data as shown in FIG. 18. Non-reversiblecompression coefficient and non-reversible compression ratio indicate acompression coefficient employed for non-reversible compression when theabove mentioned image processing is determined, and a compression ratiocomputed and obtained at that time. Natural image file name indicates afile name when natural image data is stored in the nonvolatile storingunit 128 as described above.

As described above, an examination file contains the examinationinformation and all information of the nonvolatile storing unit 128 tobe linked with a file. When this examination file name is managed by anon-volatile queue, an apparatus in this embodiment is constructed.

[Management of Queue Units 326, 327, and 328]

As shown in FIG. 4, processes such as image processing, imagetransmission, and image deletion are performed on background. In thisduration, data is exchanged by an image process queue part 326, an imagesending queue part 327, and an image erase queue part 328.

Here, it is characterized that these image processing queue 326, imagesending queue parts 327, and image erase queue part 328 are managed inone table. Hereinafter, this table is referred to as “a queue table”.

FIG. 22 shows a configuration of the above queue table. In FIG. 22,there is shown that, when one examination in which photography of theobject 200 (patient) is composed of a plurality of X-ray images isstored in the nonvolatile storing unit 128 as an examination file, andis inputted to an image process queue part 326, a new QID is issued onthe queue table, and one line is added to the bottom line.

This queue table will be described in detail.

The queue table as described above is stored in a nonvolatile storingunit 128 so that a plurality of back process tasks 322 to 325 and onlyone operation process task 321 performs rewriting. Thus, exclusiveprocessing called semaphore processing is performed, and it is requiredfor another task not to perform writing into the queue table.

Therefore, each task is achieved so as to provide access to the queuetable as follows:

In the foregoing description, obtaining privilege for writing into thequeue table is called “obtain queue semaphore”, and stopping privilegefor such writing is called “release queue semaphore”.

FIG. 23 shows processes (jobs) for referencing, adding, correcting, anderasing a processing status of an examination file for the queue tablein each task.

First, a queue semaphore is obtained (step S351).

When a queue table is referenced (step S352), the reference job isperformed (step S353). Then, the queue semaphore is released (stepS354).

On the other hand, when a queue table is added, corrected, and erased(step S352), a backup table of the queue table is generated by copyingthe queue table (step S355), and addition, correction, and deletion jobsfor a search file are performed (step S356). In these jobs, two or moreof the addition, correction, and deletion jobs can be performed in all,and further, the reference job can be performed. Then, the backup tableof the queue table is erased (step S357), and the queue semaphore isreleased (step S354).

As described above, for addition of an examination file to a queuetable, a queue semaphore is obtained, the examination file is added tothe newly issued QID below the bottom line on the queue table, and then,the queue semaphore is released.

Now, the queue table shown in FIG. 22 will be specifically described.For clarity, terms “Undone”, “Running” and “Done” are substituted forits processing statues. However, actually, each of the values “−1”,“−2”, and “−3” or the like is used.

Each of the columns “Image processing”, “Transfer 1” to “Transfer 4”,and “Erase” indicates processing that must be performed on background.

The column “Image processing” indicates an execution state of imageprocessing using image process parameters for natural image data asdescribed above.

Each of the columns “Transfer 1” to “Transfer 4” indicates an executionstate of processing for transferring to an external device the naturalimage data undergoing the above image processing. The external device isa server device connected to network, a printer device, or an externalportable media recording device directly connected via SCSI or the like.

The column “Erase” indicates processing for erasing image data regardinga queue table having natural image data undergoing all the abovetransfers or natural image data after image processing or the likestored in the nonvolatile storing unit 128 (hard disk).

Each line of the queue table is called “queue”, here.

In the queue table of FIG. 22, when an examination file is inputted tothe image process queue part 326, “Undone” which indicates thatprocessing is not done regarding each of the columns “Image processing”,“Transfer 1” to “Transfer 4”, and “Erase” of the thus generated newQID=2334 is described. “Undone” indicates that any of back process tasks322 to 325 does not perform a job indicated by that column.

On the other hand, in QID=2329, regarding the column “Transfer 4”, thecolumns “Running” and “TID=1” are described. The column “Running”indicates that one back process task is executing a job indicated bythat column. “TID=1” indicates ID of the task performing the job. Thisindication applies to QID=2330.

In QID=2329, “Done” is described regarding each of the columns “Imageprocessing”, and “Transfer 1” to “Transfer 3”. The “Done” indicates thata job indicated by that column is ended.

FIGS. 24A and 24B show flows of processing executed by back processtasks 322 to 325 while referring to the queue table described with theabove “Undone”, “Running”,

Each of these back process tasks 322 to 325 advances processing asfollows by the same control method as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B.

First, when one back process task starts execution of processing, it isrequired to refer to a queue table, and therefore, a queue semaphore isobtained(step S361). At this time, if a queue semaphore cannot beobtained, control of the back process task does not advance at thattime, and a waiting state is entered until another third person taskreleases the queue semaphore.

Next, a counter N for starting reading of the N-th queue from the headof the queue table is initially set to “1” (step S362).

Then, the N-th information is read from the first queue (step S363).

Then, it is discriminated whether or not the N-th queue exists (stepS364). If no queue exists, a queue semaphore is released (step S374),and processing returns to the first step S361.

On the other hand, if N-th queue exists during discrimination in stepS364, the contents of the column regarding “Image processing” is checked(step S365).

As a result of checking in step S365, when the result is “undone”,processing” in the N-th queue is set to “Running”, and the task ID ofthe self task is set (step S375).

Next, a queue semaphore is released (step S376).

Then, an examination file described in the N-th queue, and imageprocessing is performed for natural image data indicated in thisexamination file (step S377). It is characterized that the imageprocessing is performed using image process parameters for natural imagedata as described above; and the non-reversible compression rateindicated by “Image Attribution” of the examination file is embedded asa bit map on natural image data, as shown in FIG. 25, for example, andup to non-reversible compression is performed. That is, the imageprocessing designates up to image compression process.

Next, a queue semaphore is obtained again, the column “Running” is setto “Done”, semaphore is released (step S378).

Then, processing returns to the first step S361.

Thus, while image processing is actually performed, a queue semaphore isreleased; and therefore, a back process task other than that undergoingthe image processing or an operation process task can obtain a queuesemaphore when it performs any job. This is the most significant point.

In addition, as a result of checking in step S365, when the result is“Running”, the counter N is counted up by 1 to go to the next queue(step S373), and processing returns to the step S363.

In addition, as a result of checking in step S365, when the result is“Done”, set to “1” to perform transfer processing indicated by thecolumns “Transfer 1” to “Transfer 4” (step S366).

Then, the contents of the column (column “Transfer M”) indicated by thecounter M are checked (step S367).

As a result of checking in step S367, when the result is “undone”, thecolumn “Transfer M” in the N-th queue is set to “Running”, and the taskID of the self task is set (step S379).

Next, a queue semaphore is released (step S375).

Then, an examination file described in the N-th queue, transferprocessing indicated by the column “Transfer M” is performed for naturalimage data indicated in this examination file (step S381). The transferprocessing at this time is a job for transferring data to apredetermined transfer destination in the apparatus.

Then, a queue semaphore is obtained again, the column “Running” is setto “Done”, and the queue semaphore is released (step S382).

Then, processing returns to the first step S361.

Thus, while transfer processing is actually performed, a queue semaphoreis released; and therefore, a back process task other than thatundergoing the transfer processing or an operation process task canobtain a queue semaphore when any job is performed. This is the mostsignificant point.

In addition, as a result of checking in step S367, when the result is“Running” or “Done”, the counter M is counted up by “1” (step S368).

Next, it is discriminated whether or not the value of the counter valueM exceeds “4” (step S369). As a result of this discrimination, if theabove value does not exceed 4, processing returns to step S367. In thismanner, processing for all “Transfer 1” to “Transfer 4” is performed.

If the value of the counter M exceeds “4”, it is discriminated whetheror not each of the columns “Transfer 1” to “Transfer 4” is set to “Done”(step S370).

As a result of discrimination in step S370, when all of the results arenot “Done”, the counter N is counted up by “1”, and processing returnsto step S373. This indicates that, if one “Running” exists in each ofthe column “Transfer 1” to “Transfer 4”, processing can move toexecution of processing for the next queue.

On the other hand, as a result of discrimination in step S370, when allof the results are “Done”, the contents of the column of “Erase” arechecked (step S371).

As a result of checking in step S371, when the result is “Undone”, thecolumn “Erase” in the N-th queue is set to “Running”, and the task ID ofthe self task is set (step S383).

Next, a queue semaphore is released (step S384).

Then, the examination file described in the N-th queue is read, anderase processing is performed for natural image data indicated in thisexamination file (step S385). The erase processing at this timeindicates erasing an examination file stored in the nonvolatile storingunit 128, a plurality of sets of natural image data designated by thecontents of the examination file, and natural image data which is aresult of image processing done for the natural image data.

Then, a queue semaphore is obtained, the column “Running” is set to“Done”, and the queue semaphore is released (step S386).

Then, processing returns to the first step S361.

Thus, while erase processing is actually performed, the queue semaphoreis released; and therefore, a back process task other than thatundergoing the erase processing or an operation process task can obtaina queue semaphore when any job is performed. This is the mostsignificant point.

In addition, as a result of checking in step S371, when the result is“Running”, the counter N is counted up by “1” (step S373), andprocessing returns to step S363.

Further, as a result of checking in step S371, when the result is“Done”, the N-th queue is erased from the queue table (step S372). Inthis manner, the least significant queue than the N-th queuesequentially moves upwardly.

Then, the queue semaphore is released (step S374), and processingreturns to the first step S362.

By following the flow of processing as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, aplurality of back process tasks 322 to 325 are synchronized with eachother, and processing for the queue table can be advanced.

The flow of processing shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B may be as shown inFIGS. 26A to 26C.

That is, in FIG. 26, before the back process tasks 322 to 325 provideaccess to the queue table stored in the nonvolatile storing unit 128,consideration is taken so as to store whether or not it is necessary toprovide such access on the RAM 124, thereby aiming to improve theprocessing speed.

In the flow chart in FIGS. 26A to 26C, the steps for performingprocessing in the same way as the flow chart in FIGS. 24A and 24B aredesignated by the same reference numerals, a detailed description ofwhich is omitted here.

Specifically, a difference from the flow of processing in FIGS. 24A and24B are that processing in steps S391 to 396 is added between obtaininga queue semaphore in step S361 and initial setting of the counter N instep S362.

When the flow of such processing is executed, in the case where a queueis added to the queue table, it is assumed that variables indicating thenumber of studies (the number of studies indicated by “Undone” in thecolumns “Image processing”, “Transfer 1”, “Transfer 2”, “Transfer 3”,“Transfer 4”, “Erase”) is increased by “1”.

As described above, a queue semaphore is obtained (step S361).

Then, it is discriminated whether or not the number of studies indicatedby “Undone” in the column “Image processing” is “1” or more (step S391).

As a result of this discrimination, when the result is “1” or more, itmeans that at least one queue requiring image processing exists; andtherefore, it goes to the processing from the above mentioned step S362.

On the other hand, as a result of discrimination in step S391, when theresult is not “1” or more, i.e., when the result is “0”, the counter Pis initially set to “1” to check the number of studies indicated by“undone” in the column “Transfer 1” to “Transfer 4” (step S392).

Next, it is discriminated whether or not the number of studies indicatedby “Undone” in the column “Transfer P” indicated by the counter P is “1”or more (step S393).

As a result of the discrimination of step S393, when the result is “1”or more, it means that at least one queue requiring transfer processingexists; and therefore, it goes to processing from the above mentionedstep S362.

Further, as a result of the discrimination in step S393, when the resultis not “1” or less, the counter P is counted up by “1” (step S394), andit is discriminated whether or not the value of the counter P exceeds“4” (step S395). As a result of this discrimination, if the result doesnot exceed 4, processing returns to step S393. In this manner,processing for all of “Transfer 1” to “Transfer 4” is performed.

If the value of the counter P exceeds “4”, it is discriminated whetheror not the number of studies indicated by “Undone” in the column “Erase”is “1” or more (step S396).

As a result of the discrimination in step S396, when the result is “1”or more, it means that at least one queue requiring erase processingexists; and therefore, it goes to processing from the above mentionedstep S362.

In addition, as a result of the discrimination in step S396, when theresult is not “1” or more, the queue semaphore is released (step S374),and processing returns to the first step S361.

As described above, in the flow of processing in FIGS. 26A to 26C, whenthe number of studies indicated by “Undone” in each of the columns“Image processing”, “Transfer 1” to “Transfer 4”, and “Erase” is “1” ormore, all processing goes to step S362, and subsequently, everything isdone in accordance with processing similar to that in FIGS. 24A and 24B.

However, although not shown, the step of reducing the number of studiesindicated by “Undone” by “1” is added after each process has been ended.

In addition, since the queue table as described above is stored in thenonvolatile storing unit 128, in the case where the operators turns OFFthe power of the apparatus intentionally or accidentally or the like,although a inactive task exists, the result may be “Running” on thequeue table at the next initiation.

Therefore, for the purpose of getting ready for such a case, if a backuptable of a queue table exists when power is turned ON, the queue tableis erased, the backup table is defined as a new queue table, andfurther, all “Running” processing statuses are changed to “Undone” onthe queue table. In this manner, logic consistency is maintained afterthe power is turned OFF.

As has been described above, in this embodiment, a photographed andobtained X-ray image (a natural image) is reduced, image parameters forthis reduced image (reduced natural image) are generated from thedefault values for the preset image process parameters in accordancewith the rules as shown in FIG. 18, image processing using theparameters is performed, and the processed image is screen-displayed onthe display 132. In addition, when the operator specifies that imageprocess parameters are changed, image processing is performed for thereduced image using new image process parameters changed in accordancewith such specification.

Thus, the apparatus is arranged so as to perform image processing usingimage process parameters for the reduced image screen-displayed on thedisplay 132, thereby making it possible to perform calculation for imageprocessing at a high speed even in software image processing using ageneral purpose CPU. As a result, the image processing results can beprovided at a high speed.

In addition, when the processing OK button 307 is operated or the regionsetting button 306 for moving to the next photography is operated, inthe case where information such as the natural image at that time,determined image process parameters, and reduction ratio is temporarilystored in the nonvolatile storing unit 128, and an image is selectedfrom the overview display port 304 of the display 132, image processparameters for natural images are generated from the above temporarilystored information in the nonvolatile storing unit 128, and imageprocessing using the parameters is performed.

With such arrangement, the image processing results can be provided at ahigh speed even in such a case. In this case, image process parametershave already been determined interactively, and thus, image processingcan be automatically performed.

Based on the reduction ratio of the reduced natural image, processingfor generating image process parameters for the natural image may beperformed before storing the image process parameters in the nonvolatilestoring unit 128.

Further, an arrangement is made to provide a parameter generating unit122c1 for reduced natural images which generates image process parameterfor images reduction from the predetermined image process parameters(default values); and a parameter generating unit 122c2 for naturalimages which generates image process parameters for natural images fromthe last determined image process parameters at the parameter generatingunit 122c1 for reduced natural images in accordance with the operatorinstruction for such determination.

In this manner, image process parameters for the determined reducednatural images are not used for a natural image which is an original ofreduction; and therefore, a natural image after image processing can beprovided, which is visually similar to the reduced natural image afterimage processing, screen-displayed on the display 132

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment is a modified example of the above mentioned firstembodiment.

That is, in the first embodiment, image processing such as irradiationfield recognition, image enhancement, and gradation conversion areperformed. In the second embodiment, dynamic range compression isfurther performed.

Dynamic range compression processing is a process for facilitating checkof the contrast of the low density part of an original image. Withrespect to visual properties of human being, the sensitivity of thecontrast at the highlight part is lower than that of the contrast at amiddle density part. As dynamic range compression processing, correctionis made so as to decrease the pixel value of the highlight part.

Hereinafter, a methodological example of the above dynamic rangecompression processing will be described.

First, filter processing is performed for the target pixels based on thevalue of a plurality of pixels, mainly the target pixels, and an inputimage is smoothened.

Next, the smoothened image is corrected based on a predeterminedfunction, and correction data is created. The predetermined function isa continuous function in which a value for image data having itspredetermined threshold value or more (image data which is brighter thana predetermined threshold value) is increased according to the inputlevel.

Then, correction data is subtracted from the input image.

In the case where the above dynamic range compression processing isapplied, it is required to change the number of pixels used forsmoothing process in processing for natural images and reduced naturalimages. The number of pixels is changed according to resolution ofimages targeted for processing.

The present invention is not limited to each of the above mentionedembodiments, and, of course, is variously applicable within the scopenot deviating from the gist of the invention.

In addition, in each of the above mentioned embodiments, the image readcontrol unit 122 is arranged so as to change parameters for reducednatural images at the reduced-image adjusting instructing unit 122 caccording to the user instruction and to create natural image parametersfrom the final parameters for reduced natural images at the parameterconverting unit for natural images 122 g. That is, the image readcontrol unit 122 is designed mainly for parameters for reduced naturalimages without being limited thereto.

For example, as shown in FIG. 27, parameters for natural images may bechanged at the image adjustment instructing unit 122 c according to theuser instruction. That is, the image read control unit 122 may bedesigned mainly for parameters for natural images.

Other Embodiments

An object of the present invention, of course, has been achieved bysupplying to a system or apparatus a recording medium storing programcodes of software that provides functions of host and terminalsaccording to each of the above mentioned embodiments; and a computer(CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading and executing the storedprogram codes in the storage medium.

In this case, the program codes itself read from the storage mediumachieves the functions according to each of the embodiments, and thestorage medium storing these program codes are included in the presentinvention.

As storage media for supplying program codes, there can be employed ROM,floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM,CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card or the like.

Of course, the present invention is characterized in that the functionsof each of the embodiments are achieved by executing the computer readprogram codes; the OS or the like operating on the computer performspart or all of actual processing based on an instruction of the programcodes; and the functions of each of the embodiments are achieved by suchprocessing.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, after theprogram codes read out from the storage medium have been written into amemory provided for an inserted extension function board into thecomputer or a connected function extension unit to the computer, the CPUor the like provided for the function extension board or functionextension unit performs part or all of actual processing, and thus thefunctions of each of the embodiments are achieved by such processing.

As described above, in each of the above mentioned embodiments, theapparatus is arranged so that a first image processing condition usedfor image processing for reduced images is associated with a secondprocessing condition used for image correction for an original image ofthe reduced image according to the reduction conditions for the reducedimage

Specifically, as a display image, a reduced image is generated byreducing an original image, image processing using preset image processparameters (first image processing condition) is performed for thereduced image, and the processed image is displayed on the screen. Atthis time, when the operator specifies that image process parameters arechanged, image processing is performed for the reduced image using theabove preset first image process parameters according to suchspecification.

Thus, the apparatus is arranged so as to perform image processing forthe reduced image (display image) using the first image processparameters generated from the preset image process parameters, therebymaking it possible to provide image processing results at a high speedin software image processing using a general- purpose CPU.

In addition, when the operator specifies that image process parametersare determined, the original image at this time (original image of areduced image), the first image parameters, and reduction ratio arestored. From the stored first image process parameters and compressionratio, the second image process parameters (second image processingcondition) are generated, and image processing (image correction) isperformed for the stored input image using such parameters.

In this case also, image processing results can be provided at a highspeed. Further, the first image process parameters has already beendetermined interactively, and thus, image processing can beautomatically performed.

Based on the reduction ratio of the reduced image, processing forgenerating the second image process parameters may be performed beforestoring the original image, the first image process parameters, and thereduction ratio.

Further, there are provided means (rules) for generating the first imageprocess parameters from the preset image process parameters; and means(rules) for generating the second image process parameters for theoriginal image from the last determined first image process parametersby the operator instruction. Thus, image process parameters for thedetermined display image are not employed for the original image whichis an original of reduction. The original image after image processingcan be provided, which is visually similar to the display image afterimage processing, displayed on the screen.

Therefore, image processing can be performed at a high speed by ageneral-purpose CPU. In this manner, the operator can perform imageprocessing job efficiently.

Hence, the present invention is applied to radiation (X-ray)photographing apparatus or system requiring fast image collection,thereby making it possible to provide the apparatus or systeminexpensively. In addition, the X-ray technician can perform dutieswithout any burden, thereby making it possible to scan an increasednumber of patients per hour; and an effect of the invention iseconomically significant.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments andvarious changes and modifications can be made within the spirit andscope of the present invention. Therefore, to apprize the public of thescope of the present invention the following claims are made.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing apparatus comprising:generating means for reducing an original image based on a reductioncondition and generating a reduced image; image processing means forperforming image processing for the reduced image based on a set firstimage processing condition; display means for displaying theimage-processed reduced image; input means for inputting an instructionfor adjusting the first image processing condition; generating means forgenerating a second image processing condition for the original imagefrom the adjusted first image processing condition based on thereduction condition; and image processing means for performing imagecorrection for the original image based on the generated second imageprocessing condition.
 2. An image processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the displaying and adjusting are repeated until adesired reduced image is obtained.
 3. An image processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing thesecond image processing condition together with the original image as animage file.
 4. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the image processing includes irradiation field recognitionprocessing.
 5. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said image processing means performs a plurality of differentimage processes, and image processing conditions relating to each imageprocessing operation are associated with each other by a methodcorresponding to a type of image process.
 6. An image processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing includesimage enhancement processing.
 7. An image processing apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the image processing includes gradation conversionprocessing.
 8. An image processing method comprising the steps of:reducing an original image based on a reduction condition and generatinga reduced image; performing image processing for the reduced image basedon a set first image processing condition; displaying theimage-processed reduced image; inputting an instruction for adjustingthe first image processing condition; generating a second imageprocessing condition for the original image from the adjusted firstimage processing condition based on the reduction condition; andperforming image processing for the original image based on thegenerated second image processing condition.
 9. A computer-readablestorage medium storing code for causing a computer to execute a methodcomprising the steps of: reducing an original image based on a reductioncondition and generating a reduced image; performing image processingfor the reduced image based on a set first image processing condition;displaying the image-processed reduced image; inputting an instructionfor adjusting the first image processing condition; generating a secondimage processing condition for the original image from the adjustedfirst image processing condition based on the reduction condition; andperforming image processing for the original image based on thegenerated a set second image processing condition.
 10. An imageprocessing apparatus comprising: a generator which reduces an originalimage based on a reduction condition and generates a reduced image; animage processor which performs image processing for the reduced imagebased on a set first image processing condition; a display unit fordisplaying the image-processed reduced image; an input unit forinputting an instruction for adjusting the first image processingcondition; and an image corrector which performs image correction forthe original image based on a set second image processing condition,wherein the first and second image processing conditions are imageprocessing conditions for executing the same type of image process, andare associated by the reduction condition.
 11. An image processingapparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an image processingcondition generator which generates the second image processingcondition from the first image processing condition according to thereduction condition.
 12. An image processing apparatus according toclaim 10, further comprising an image processing condition generatorwhich generates the first image processing condition from the secondimage processing condition according to the reduction condition.
 13. Animage processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: adisplay that displays the reduced image; and an adjuster which adjuststhe first image processing condition according to a user instruction,wherein the displaying and adjustment are repeated until a desiredreduced image is obtained.
 14. An image processing apparatus accordingto claim 10, further comprising a storage section which stores thesecond image processing condition together with the original image as animage file.
 15. An image processing apparatus according to claim 10,wherein the image processing includes irradiation field recognitionprocessing.
 16. An image processing apparatus according to claim 10,wherein said image processor performs a plurality of different imageprocesses, and image processing conditions relating to each imageprocessing operation are associated with each other by a methodcorresponding to a type of image process.